MXPA97002390A - Block copolymers for improved viscosity stability in concentrated software for tea - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to fabric softening compositions for use during the rinse cycle of a laundry operation of textiles to provide fabric softening / static control benefits, said compositions comprising one or more polymers having a hydrophobic base structure with a or more hydrophilic side chambers and are characterized by their excellent storage stability and viscosity characteristics, especially at temperature

Description

BLOCK C0P0LII1ER0S FOR IMPROVED VISCOSITY STABILITY IN CONCENTRATED FABRIC SOFTENERS TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to fabric softening compositions for use during the < By rinsing a laundry operation, textile fabrics provide softening / toning benefits of fabrics, soft fabric compositions comprise, in addition to conventional softening ingredients, one or more polymers having a herophobic base structure with one or more hydrophilic side chains and characterized by excellent storage stability and viscosity characteristics.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Fabric softener compositions, especially concentrated and / or superconcentrated, are dispersions of positively charged vesicles containing the active Jel softener. It is believed that these vesicles are composed of inner concentric layers of water and bi-layered cationic layers, lanoid drops laminar. The presence of laminar drops in a fabric softening composition can be detected by methods known to those skilled in the art such as optical techniques, reorienting measurements, X-ray diffraction and ctronic microscopy. The drops consist of a confi guration in the form of an onion, as indicated above, of bi-concentric layers of softening material molecules * of fabrics with trapped water or electrolyte solution, the so-called aqueous phase. There is a well-appreciated fabric softening product of physical stability and desirable flow properties combined in a system. However, during storage the aforementioned dispersions are thickened and ultimately gel. The reason for this phenomenon is not yet clear. There are at least "the theoretical possibilities: the lamellar vesicles are becoming increasingly interconnected with the t Lempo and finally (1) form a network of infinitely-connected vesicles or gel, or (2) they change from a laminar vesicle to a two-phase lunar phase in which the gel can occur. Regardless of the mechanism, the gemification will probably be avoided while the vesicles remain separated from each other. It is well known that two factors mainly determine the viscosity and stability of the fabric softening composition. First of all, it is the volume (fraction) of the laminar phase dispersed in the composition and, secondly, it depends on the state of aggregation of these drops. In general, the greater the volume (fraction) of the drops (dispersed laminar phase), the higher the viscosity which, if it is too high, will result in a product that can not be emptied. One way to solve this problem is to use electrolytes by which the lamellar vesicles appear to be small, reduced, and as such, increase in distances < - > n the vesicles avoiding aggregation / gelification. In contrast, the stability of other components in the soft composition is affected by the use of higher electrolyte levels. Therefore there are limits to the amount of "softening material" and fabrics and electrolyte that will be used while you are having an acceptable product. There is a continuing need for fabric softening compositions m < p concentrated, sometimes superconcentrated for convenience and cost reduction purposes. The problems to be solved are that these high concentrations of softener active on the compositions must have an acceptable stability and at the same time a capacity of emptying during use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION It has been found that, with respect to stability and viscosity requirements especially at elevated temperature, a fabric softening composition having conventional softening ingredients can be surprisingly volatile influenced by the incorporation of a block copolymer comprising a hydrophobic base structure. with one or more hydrophilic side chains in the presence of a polymer soluble in nonionic water. These polimepco materials reduce the viscosity of concentrated dispersions of cation cos softening active compounds in lamellar vesicles and improve the stabilizing properties of the fabric softening compositions. As such, they prevent "these types of compositions from gelling. Another particular benefit of these materials is that they prevent the formation of film and residue in the dispenser during use. In addition, the use of a flake has been found. A number of blocks with a hydrotobic base structure and one or more hydrophilic side chains according to the invention in a fabric softening composition reduces the viscosity of the composition at low and high temperature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The objective of stabilizing polymers in concentrated fabric softener formulations is to maintain a low viscosity during storage at low (0 ° C) and high (50 ° C) temperatures without affecting the smoothing performance. It appears that the so-called copolymers of di- and tri-blocks of the types AB and AB-fl, respectively, and pre-e fl ectably copolymers of tri-blocks with blocks highly soluble in water (A) and blocks more soluble or partially soluble in water. Water (B) in combination with a water soluble polymer (turbidity point greater than 90 ° C) - provides excellent stabilization of the viscosity of the concentrated compositions. Block copolourners «} They are defined as: (a) blocks of separate polymers (ace of two units) of the same type separated by at least one inonomer of another type, (b) different types of polymer blocks of two monomer mills < That they are "luirn camen + e connected. Probably, a stabilization phenomenon that is more or less exhausted is likely to be responsible for this behavior. The parameters in the structure of these materials are (1) the chain lengths of the blocks, (2) the water solubility of the blocks and (.3) the specific interactions of the B blocks with the lamellar vesicles. . Furthermore, it has been found that said d- or tri-block copolymers without water-soluble polymer provide excellent viscosity stabilization especially at elevated temperature. The five general structures of the following polymers (IV) provide the stabilization at the aforementioned viscosity: (I) Polymers that are likely to physically adhere to the surface of positively charged vesicles: C- () x ~ (B) yB and C- (A) x ~ (B) y- () zD, where the monomers A and B are soluble in water and partially soluble in water respectively, and C and B are end groups or a lance hydrogen. Typical end groups are hydroxylacetate, rnethyl amine or quaternary amine.

(II) Polymers that are likely to incorporate lamellar vesicles: (B- (A) -R- (A) -C, where R is a polymer of oneroin B as defined above, or preferably a fatty or acid alcohol of which a carbon atom is replaced by blocks of polymer, for example, the ethoxylated glycerol monoyrose ester (IJI) Combinations and polymers of type (I) and MT) with water-soluble nonionic polymers, such as polyvinyl alcohol pi ir idona, piri din-N- polyvinyl oxide, polyethylene glycol 1 and substituted polyalcohol. Additional details of these polymer structures are described below. (IV) Combinations of polymers between group (I), between type (II) and between mixed combinations of type (I) and (II). (V) Combinations «le (III) and (TV). In F-P 458 599, an attempt was made to solve the problem of stability and acceptable viscosity of the finished product. It discloses a fabric treatment composition comprising an aqueous base, one or more fabric softening materials and an emulsion component. The composition has a laminar droplet structure of the fabric softening material in combination with an emulsion, said composition also comprising a deflocculating polymer of a hydrophilic base structure and one or more hydrophobic side chains. However, it seems that by using these types of polymers (block copolymer), the system has not yet been established to be ideal for stabilization. This stabilization mechanism are ca requires < The chains of polymers, which are soluble in the continuous phase, are physically or chemically grafted onto the surface of particles. The remaining part of the polymer (the polymer chain ost binder) is ideally c-n-leaving the surface of the particle. In a scattered dispersion, the stabilization of particles, these stabilizing polymer chains are rejecting l <;? presence of others in the continuous phase. The following mechanism is generally accepted for stabilization steppe. When the molecular interactions of polymer-water (continuous phase) and water-water are much greater than polymer-polymer interactions (water solubility requirements), some sort of microfase separation occurs. Of course, there are no two separate phases present, but rather, at the molecular level, the polymer molecules remain separate. On the other hand, if the polymer-polymer interactions are greater than the polymer-water interactions, the polymers chains of different particles will attract each other, and will produce «Jestabilization of dispersion. The phenomenon appears as a repulsive interaction between the polymer chains (stabilization is ca). The key parameters for this type of stabilization are: (a) the stabilizing polymer chains must be very, olubles in the continuous phase, while ue? the fixed part of the polymer must be more soluble; (b) the polymer chain must be of a minimum (and optimum) length to stabilize the dispersion efficiently. Both conditions are not met by applying the polymers as described in EP 458,599. It has been found that block copolymers with turbidity points ranging from 40 ° 0 and above can "stabilize aqueous expressions" and lamellar vesicles. The dependence of the turbidity point is caused by the chain length of the water-insoluble and insoluble blocks, as well as the ratio of the two chain lengths. The insoluble blocks can be hydrophobic, such as polypropylene oxide (PO) which varies < ie aliphatic / arornatic polyesters to the alifat cas chains. When the chain lengths are too short, eg, blocks (A) x with x < 20 and blocks (B) and with y- 3, the opposite occurs «Stabilization to viscosity; extreme thickening or even gelling takes place. The level of these types of polymers varies from 0.1-10%, preferably from 0.1-5%, and even more preferably from 0.5-2%. In EP 0 185 427 (Gosselink) these polymers are described in the context of the soil release polymer in the fabric softening composition. A new use of these polymers has been found in comparison with the viscosity reduction of the composition at low and high temperature. Surprisingly, the compositions remain stable with respect to viscosity. In addition, these polymers prevent membrane formation. This occurs through the formation of a specific complex of water molecules (water-soluble polymer blocks.) This complex formation with water reduces the water vapor pressure, which slows down or prevents the membrane from forming. Examples of such cases with copolymers block it with polyethoxylate, polyvinyl-rolidone and polyvinyl-N-1-p-dine (ethoxylated and / or partially cationic) The best molecular weight scale of water-soluble blocks For minimum membrane formation, the variance varies from 100-20000, preferably from 2000 to 2000. Polymers can be added at any point in the process, however, this depends on the formulation matrix.Three addition points are preferred: (1) for the water seat, (2) on top of the formulation before or after the addition "Je perfume (hot or cold), (3) a combination of (1) and (2). the point of addition (i) that probably helps the incorporation polymer ion in the vesicle structure. The best forms of addition are through the water seat or later while it is stormy (40-90 ° C) or at room temperature.

Type I polymers Type I polymers probably adhere to the surface of positively charged vesicles that have the f-orrnu the geral (l) C- () x- (B) yD and the formula (2) C- (A) x- íß) and (R) z - D respectively in corn? ar * acion with the so-called copoluneros di- and fr *? -blocks. Monomers A and B are water soluble and partially insoluble groups in water, respectively. The degree of polymerization x and z are preferably of the same order of magnitude. The structural parameters x and z are from 1 -200, preferably 30-60; and vain «1e 1-70, preferably 3-40 ,. C and D are extreme groups and can be selected from the same series of groups. However, some situations require that they be different.

Possible types of monomers for A (soluble in water as polymers): Full-oxide oxide and idol rolone Vinyl 2- and 4-p? R? D? Na N-oxide vinyl 2- and 4-p? R? D? Na 2- and 4-v? N? L? ? r? d? na catio ica: Rl = alkoxylate - (CrH2rO) q-, where r = 1-6, pref. 1-3; and q = 1-80, pref. 2-60. This includes 2- and 4-vinyl pyridine ethoxylated. The counterion can be halide ions, methyl sulfate, acetates, sulphates, Milk Alcohol Acplariu das Acplarní das catòoni cas, -CHR- (CH) nC) - where R = - (CH2) rn-CH3, -OH, pyrrolidone, N-oxide of? ~ And 4-pi idine, 2- and 4-p? P? Na cat omca, 2- and 4-p? Pd? Na and oxygen. Amino acids - (Cr-I2) n- Z (AA) ~ where AA is any amino acid that is bound through the carboxylic acid group. The amino acid can be cationic or oxidized amine when a nitrogen is used in a ring structure (e.g., tpptophan and histidine). Z can be a group = CH, = CH-C00, or = CH-0. n = 1-10, preferably 1-4.

Possible types of B monomers for the following polymers (partially soluble in water to insoluble as polymers): Polyalkylene dighelate wherein the alkylene group can be C1-C10, preferably C2-C4. Aliphatic polyesters, -0- (CH2) n-C0-, in «where n = i-10, preferably 1-4. Polybutadiene Hydroxylated Polybutadiene Saturated aliphatic and straight unsaturated chains, carbon chain length C4-50, preferably C4-20.

Acid? Ol? -3-Hydroxybutyl ico, polymerization graphs of 4-50, and fep b? Lernente 4 10. Al.? faticos / aro pillars or mixed carbonates Poli take out two stagings Polisílex nos Pol IUrétanos Poliacp. Latos Derived from cellulose, such as fossils ...

Possible extreme groups C and D: Tungrogenic groups Hydroxyl groups Alkoxy groups, -0-R-, where R = H, aliphatic alkanes saturated or partially saturated. Methyl groups Alkyl groups -CH (CH3) 2, -CH2ÍCH3), -C (CH3) 3 Alkyl chains Alcohol / acidic straight and unsaturated fatty acid, chain length C4-50, preferably C4-20 . Cationic end groups, such as -CH 2 -CO-N + (CH 3) 3 X-, wherein X is a halogenide, methyl, sulfate or acetate ion. -0-C0- (CH2) n-CH3, in < Where n = 2-30, preferably 2-20. Sulphonate groups Polymers of type II These polymers are probably partially incorporated in the positively charged vesicle and have the following general structure of the formula (3): D- (A) xR- (A) zC or (A)? - C / RP \ (A) zD A, x, z, C and D are defined as type T polymers. P is a glycerol unit or other polyol unit such as polyvinyl alcohol or polysaccharides or the one shown below H0 ~ -CH2 - C ( 0H) - CH2--0 ~ Ht-H pol igerol Other types of polymers that are likely to be partially incorporated into the lamellar vesicles when the suspensions are stabilized are shown below (a substituted polyglycerol).

H0 - Í - CH2 - C (OH) - CH2 - 0 - r, * CH2 - C (R) - CH2 - 0 - - m - In these types of polymers, R may be a polymer of type B monomers, but it is preferred that it be a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid, n »L-1f), preferably 1-8, and rn-1-10, preferably 1-5. The hydroxyl end groups can be replaced by the C and D end groups, as described in the above polymer types. Improved stabilization at low and high temperature viscosity also occurs using mixtures of completely water-soluble polymers and di- or t-block copolymers according to the invention. The viscosity stabilizing properties of the copolymers of di and t p-blocks of the types T and TI, or polymers mentioned in EP 0 185 427 (EP Gosselink), or mixtures thereof, can be improved by the addition of small amounts of polymers completely soluble in water (turbidity point greater than 90 ° C), such as polyvinyl-pyrroluxone, polyvinyl pyridine N-oxide, polyethylene glycol, substituted polyglycerols. The weight percent of di- or t-p-block copolymers in the formulation varies from 0.1-10%, preferably from 0.2-6%. The weight percent of completely water soluble polymers in the formulation ranges from 0.i% -10%, preferably 0.2-6%. The compositions condition fabrics, in particular fabric softening compositions that are to be used in the rinse cycle of the laundry procedures, are well known. Fabric softening materials can be selected from soft material < or < je cationic fabrics, not L5 ionic, amphoteric or ammonium. The compositions of the present invention preferably comprise from 1 to 80% by weight of active fabric softener, most preferably from 2 to 70% by weight, most preferably from 50% by weight of the composition. Typically, said compositions contain an active quaternary ammonium fabric softener more soluble in water, most commonly used as chloride > The chain ammonium "le dial qui 1 o Larga. In recent years, the need for more environmentally friendly materials has arisen, and rapidly biodegradable quaternary ammonium compounds have been presented as alternatives to the traditionally used long chain diammonium chlorides. Said quaternary ammonium compounds contain long chain alkenyl groups interrupted by functional groups such as carboxy groups. Such materials and fabric softening compositions containing them are described in numerous publications such as EPA 040 562, and EPA 239 910. In EPA 239 910, it has been described that a pH scale of 2.5 to 4.2 provides optimum storage stability to said rapidly biodegradable ammonium compounds. The quaternary ammonium compounds and the amine precursors in the present have the following formula (T) or (1T): ; D (ID or o or o or Q c -0-0 or -C-0 O -0-C-0-- O -NH4-C- O -C-NR «-; Ri is (CH2) n-0-T2 or T3; R2 e (CH2) rn-0-T * or T * or R3-R3 is alkyl "e Ci - &or hydroxyalkyl of Ci -C" or H; R * is H or Ci-C alkyl or Ci-C¿ hydroxyalkyl; Ti, T2, T3, T *, T5 are (the same or different) C11-C22 alkyl or alkenyl; n and rn are integers from 1 to 4; and X- is an anion compatible with softener. The alkyl or alkenyl chain Ti, T2, T3, T *, T5 must contain at least 11 carbon atoms, preferably at least 1.6 carbon atoms. The canes can be branched or branched. Sebum is a convenient and inexpensive source of long chain alkyl and alkenyl material. Compounds where Ti, T2, T3, T *, T5 represents the mixture of long chain materials typical for sebum are particularly pre fep. Specific examples of quaternary ammonium compounds suitable for use in aqueous tea softener compositions The present invention includes: 1) N, N-di (tallowyl-oxy-ethyl) -N, N-di-nit-ammonium chloride; 2) M, N-d? (seboyl-oxi -et? l) -N-met? l, N- (2-h? drox? et? io); 3) Chloride of N, N- di (l-seboi lox? -2-oxo-ethyl) -N, N-dirnet llamonl ?; 4) Chloride * or N, N-d? (2-sebum? 1 ox let i 1 carboni loxiet i l) -N, 11 -dirnet i La onio; 5) N- (2-sebo? Lox? -2-yl) -N- (2-sebo? Loxi-? -oxo-ethyl) -N, N-di-ethylammonium chloride; 6) Chloride of N, N, N-tr? (sebum? l-ox? -ethyl) -N-rnetilarnonio; 7) N- (2-seboyloxy? -2-oxoetyl) -N- (tallow? N, Nd? Rnet 11-ammonium chloride, and 0) 1,2-d? Tallow? 3-tprnet amlamomopropane; and mixtures of any of the above materials. Of these, compounds 1-7 are examples of compounds of formula (Y), compound 8 is a compound of formula (II). Particularly preferred is N, N-di (tallowyloxyethyl) -N, N-d? Methalamonium chloride, wherein the tallow chains are at least partially unsaturated. The level of saturation of the sebum chain can be measured by the iodine (IV) value of the corresponding fatty acid, which in the present case must be IR - Probly in the range of 5 to 100 distinguishing two categories of compounds, which have an IV «e about 25. In fact, for compounds of the formula (Y) made from tallow fatty acids having an IV of 5 at 25, preferably 15 to 20, it has been found that a weight ratio of cis / trans isomer greater than about 30 / O, preferably greater than about 50/50 and preferably even higher-about 70/30 provides a optimal concentration capacity. For compounds of the formula (Y) made from tallow fatty acids «jue have a TV of approximately 25, the ratio of cis to trans isomers has been found to be less critical unless very high concentrations are required. Other examples of suitable quaternary ammoniums of formula (Y) and (TT) can be obtained, for example, by: replacing "sebum" in the above compounds with *, for example, coconut, palm, lauroyl, oleyl, ricinoleyl, stearyl, pal ityl or the like, said chains of fatty acids being completely saturated or preferably at least partially unsaturated; - replacing "methyl" in the above compounds with ethyl, ethoxy, propyl, propoxy, isopropyl, butyl, isobuyl or t-butyl; replacing "chloride" in the above compounds with bromide, inethyl sulfate, formate, sulfate, nitrate and the like. In fact, the anion is simply present as a counter-ion of the post-charged quaternary ammonium compounds. The nature of the counterion is not critical at all to the practice of the present invention. The di canee of this invention is not considered to be limited to any particular anion. By "amine precursors of Los misinos" is meant the secondary or tertiary amines corresponding to the above quaternary ammonium compounds, said amines being substantially protonated in the compositions herein due to the claimed pH values. The ammonium or quaternary ammonium precursor compounds herein are present at levels of from about 1% to about 80% of the compositions in the present invention, depending on the execution of the composition that can be diluted with a level preferred active component from about 5% to about 15%, or concentrate, with a preferred level of active component of about 15% to about 50%, most preferably from about 15% to about 35%.

Optional ingredients Fully formulated fabric softening compositions preferably contain, in addition to the compounds of Formulas I or TI herein, one or more of the following ingredients: First, the presence of polymer "} Having a partial or net charge, it may be useful to increase the stability of the cellulase in the compositions of the present invention. Said polymers can be used at levels of 0.001% to 10%, preferably from 0.01% to 2% by weight of the compositions. Said polymers having a partial cationic charge can be polymers containing N- [polyolefin oxide containing units containing the following structural formula (A): (A) Ax IP where p is an unpalatable unit, to which an RN-0 group can be set or where the RN-0 group forms part of the polifiable unit or a combination of both . 0 0 0 I! II II A is ~ NC-, -CO-, -C-, -0-, -S-, -N-; x is 0 or l; R are all-fat, aliphatic, ethoxylated, aromatic, heterocyclic or alicyclic groups thereof where the nitrogen of the NO group can be fixed or in "where the nitrogen" Jel group is NOT part of these groups. The graph can NOT be represented by * the following general structures: 0 0 II (Rl)? - N - (R2) and -N - (R?) »I (R3) i where R1, R2 and R3 are aliphatic groups, aromatic, het erocyclic or alicyclic groups or combinations of the same, xy / oyy / oz is 0 or 1 and wherein the nitrogen of the NO group can be fixed or where the nitrogen of the group NOT part of these groups. The group N-0 can be part of the polimepable unit (P) or can be attached to the polyrnepca base structure or a combination of both. The suitable polyane N-oxides wherein the group NO forms p > The art of the polyenetable unit comprises polyamine N-oxides wherein R is selected from aliphatic, aromatic, alicyclic or etherocyclic groups. A class of said polyarnine N-oxides comprises the group of polyamine N-oxides wherein the nitrogen of the group > or NOT part of the group R. The preferred polyarynin N-oxides are those wherein R is a heterocyclic group such as pyridine, pyrrole, imidazole, pyrrolidine, piperidine,).) quinolma, acpdina and give fords of the same. Another class of said polyamine N-oxides comprises the group of polyarynin N-oxides wherein the nitrogen of the group N-0 is attached to the R group. Other suitable N-oxides of polyarnine are the axioms of poi lamina where the Group N-0 is fixed to the poluner unit iz ble. A preferred class of these polyamide N-oxides are the polyolefin N-oxides having the general formula 'A) wherein R is an aromatic, heterocyclic or alicyclic group wherein the nitrogen of the functional group is NOT is part of said group R. Examples of these classes are poi laminate oxides wherein R is a heterocyclic compound such as pyridine, pyrrole, imidazole and derivatives thereof. Another preferred class of N-oxides is the polyarynin oxides having the general formula (A) wherein R are aromatic, heterocyclic or alicyclic groups wherein the nitrogen of the functional group N-0 is attached to the R groups. Examples of these classes are the polyamine oxides wherein the R groups can be aromatic such as femlo. Any * polymer base structure can be used as long as the amine oxide polymer formed is soluble in water and has dye transfer inhibiting properties. Examples «je structures« je base 21 The appropriate polymers are polyvinyl, polyalki, and wood, polyester, polyether, polyarynide, polyurethane, polyacrylate and mixtures thereof. N-Oxide polymers of amine useful in the pendant typically have an amine to amine N-oxide ratio of about 10: 1 to about 1: 1000000. However, the amount of amine oxide groups present in the polymer containing polyarnine N can be varied by appropriate copolymerization or by the appropriate degree of N-oxidation. Preferably, the ratio of amine to N-oxy or "the amine is from about 2: 3 to about 1: 1000000. It is preferably from about 1: 4 to about 1: 1000000, very preferably from about 1: 7 to about 1: 1000000. The polymers of the present invention actually encompass random or block copolymers where one type of atom is an N-oxide of amine and the other type of nitrogen is either N-oxide or amine. The amine oxide unit of the N-oxides of polia ina has a P a <; 10, preferably PiVa < 7, most preferably Pka < A. The polymer containing polyarynin N-oxide can be obtained in almost any polymerization paste. The polymerization gravity is not critical as long as the material has the solubility power in water and the desired dye suspension. Typically, the average molecular weight of the polyamide N-oxide containing polymer is "within the range of about 500 to about 1,000,000; This is preferably about 1,000 to about 50,000, preferably about 2,000 to about 30,000, most preferably about 3,000 to about 20,000. Said polymers having a net cation charge include polyvinylpyrrole idone (PVP) as well as copolymers of N-vini 1 irnidazole -N-viml ?? r rol i dona, "th has a scale of average molecular weight ranging from about 5,000 to about 100,000, preferably from about 5,000 to about 50,000; said copolymers having a molar ratio of N-vinylimidazole to N-inylpyrrolidone from about 1 to about 0.2, preferably from about * 0.8 to about 0.3.

Other optional ingredients include: Additional softening agents: which are softening materials for non-ionic fabrics. Typically, said non-ionic fabric softening materials have an HLB of from about 2 to about 9, very typically "about 3" to about 7. Such non-ionic fabric softening materials tend to be easily dispersed either by themselves or by themselves. when combined with other materials such as individual long chain alkyl cationic surfactant described in more detail below. The dispersion capacity can be improved by using more single chain long chain surfactant, in admixture with other materials as set forth below, using hot water, and / or stirring. In general, the selected materials should be relatively crystalline, melting point sup > epor (e.g., > 40 ° C) and relatively insoluble in water. The level of optional non-ionic softener in the compositions herein is typically from about L% to about 10%, preferably from about 1% to about 5%. Preferred nonionic softeners are fatty acid partial esters of polyhydric alcohols or anhydrides of the miso, wherein the alcohol, or anhydride, contains from 2 to 18, preferably from 2 to 8, carbon atoms, and each fatty acid portion it contains from 12 to 30, preferably from 16 to 20 carbon atoms. Typically, said softeners contain from one to 3, preferably 2 acid groups per molecule. The polyhydric alcohol moiety of the ester can be ethylene glycol, glycerol, poly (e.g., di-, tp-, tetra, penta-, and / or hexa-) glycerol, xylitol, sucrose, eritptol, pentaepritol, sorbitol. or sorbitan. Sorbitan esters and polyglycerol monomeric stearate are particularly preferred. The fatty acid portion of the ester is usually derived from fatty acids having from 12 to 30, preferably < from 16 to 20, carbon atoms, typical examples of said fatty acids being laupco acid, rnipstic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and acid behe co. Optional highly non-ionic softening agents for use in the present invention are the sorbitan esters, < What are dehydration products are sorbitol and glycerol esters. Commercially available sorbitan monostearate is a suitable material. Mixtures of sorbitan stearate and sorbitan palmitate which have weight ratios of about 5 to 10 ppm, and esters of 1,5-sorbitan also have different weight ratios. They are useful. The glycerol and poly glycerol esters, especially the mono- and / or di-esters of glycerol, diglycerol, triglycerol and polyglycerol, preferably the mono-esters, are preferred here (e.g., polyglycerol monostearate with a commercial name of Radiasurf 7248). Useful glycerol and polyglycerol esters include monoesters with stearic, oleic, palmitic, laupco, isostearic, rnirisic and / or behenic acids and the diesters < ie stearic acid, oleic, palmitic, lauric, isoest epaque, behemeo and / or rniristic acids. It is understood that the typical nonoester contains some di- and triester, etc. The "esters" and glycerol "also include polyglycerol, eg, diglycerol through octaglycerol esters. Poly Lerol polyols are formed by condensation of glycerine or epichlorohydrin together to bind the glycerol moieties through ter bonds, the monomers and monomers of polyglycerol polyols are preferred, the fatty aeol groups typically are inert those described above for the sortután and gli erol esters.

Surfactant agent / concentration aids As indicated above, it is possible to prepare * stronglyconcentrated compositions of the more saturated material of the formula (I) and the formula (TT) above, which are stable without the addition of concentration aids, concentrated compositions. The present invention may require organic and / or inorganic concentrating aids to pass at even higher concentrations and / or to meet higher stability standards that depend on the other ingredients. The surfactant concentration aids are typically selected from the group consisting of a <; cationic surfactants;; individual long chain alkyl; nonionic surfactants; amine oxides; fatty acids; or mixtures thereof, typically used at a level of from 0 to about 15% of the composition. Said long chain mono-alkyl cationic surfactants useful in the present invention are preferably quaternary ammonium salts of the general formula: R2 + R31 X- wherein R2 is a hydrocarbon group of C1-O22, preferably a C12-C18 alkyl group of the group interrupted in the corresponding ester bond with a short alkylene group (Ci-C ") in re the ester link and the N, and having a similar hydrocarbon group, e.g.,? ester * of choline fatty acid, preferably choline ester (coconut) of C12-C1.J and / or choline ester (tallow) of Ciß-Ciß at a concentration of about?) l% to about 20% by weight of the softening active component. Each R is an alkyl of Ci-C4 or alkyl (eg, hydroxy) substituted or hydrogen, preferably methyl, and the counterion X- is a softener-compatible anion, for example, chloride, bromide, methyl-urea, etc. Other cationic materials with ring structure such as alkynyl diazol, irnidazolinium, pyridine and pyridinium salts having an individual C12-O30 alkyl chain can also be used. A very low or even pH is required to stabilize, e.g., structures of the idazoline ring. Some alkylimidazolinium salts and their irnidazoline precursors useful in the present invention have the general formula: in the «Je Y is ~ C (0) -0-, -0- (0) C-, -C (O) -N (R5) -, or -N (R5) -C (0) - in the which R5 is a hydrogen or an alkyl radical of C? -C "; β is a C 1 -C 4 alkyl radical or H (for precursor - it is «irnidazoline); R7 and R8 are each independently selected from R and R2 as defined above for the individual long chain cathoxics surfactant being sol or one R2. Some alkylpipdime salts useful in the present invention have the general formula: where R2 and X- are co or defined above. A typical material of this type is the chloride "e cetilpiridimo.

Nonionic surfactant (alkoxylated materials) Other nonionic surfactants for use herein include products of addition of ethylene oxide and optionally propylene oxide, with fatty alcohols, fatty acids, fatty amines, etc. Suitable compounds are substantially water-soluble surfactants of the general formula: R2-Y- (C2H * 0) Z-C2H "0H" wherein R2 is selected from the group consisting < He hydrocarbyl groups < Alkyl and / or acyl of primary, secondary and branched chain; alkenyl hydrocarbyl groups of primary, secondary and branched chain; and alkyl and alkenyl phenolic hydrocarbyl groups of the primary, secondary and branched chain; said hydrocarbyl groups having a hydrocarbyl chain length of 8 to 20, preferably 10 to 18 carbon atoms. And it is typically -O-, -C (0) 0-, -C (0) N (R) -, or -C (ü) N (R) R-, in which R2 and R, when present , have the meanings that are ahead, and / or R can be hydrogen, and z is at least 8, preferably at least LO LL. The nonionic surfactants herein are characterized by a HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) of from 7 to 20, preferably from 8 to 15. Examples of suitable nonionic surfactants include: straight chain primary alcohol alkoxylates such as seboalcohol-E0 (ll), tallow-alcohol-EO (18), and tallow-alcohol-EO (25); Alkoxylates of straight chain secundary alcohol such as 2-ClßEO (II); 2-C20E0 (ll); and 2-Cl6E0 (14); Alkyl phenol alkoxylates, such as p-tpdecyl phenol E0 (11) and p-pentadecylphenol E0 (18), as well as olefinic alkoxylates, and branched chain alkoxylates such as branched chain primary and secondary alcohols < They are available from the well-known procedure "0X0".

Amine oxides Suitable amine oxides include those with an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl portion of at 28 carbon atoms, preferably from 8 to 16 carbon atoms, and two alkyl portions selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups and hydroxy groups to the carbon atom. with 1 to 3 carbon atoms. Examples include dirnetiloct lamin oxide, diethylene glycol oxide, bis- (2-hydroxyl ether) < lodec? film, dimethyidodecylamide oxide, dipropyltetradecylamine oxide, ethylethylhexadecylamine oxide, d-rnet-i-2-hydroxyoctadecylamine oxide, and coconut oxide-fatty alkyl-diinetiiarnine. fatty acids Suitable fatty acids include those containing from 12 to 25, preferably from 16 to 20 carbon atoms in total, the fatty portion containing from 10 to 22, preferably from 10 to 14 (average cut) carbon atoms. The shorter portion contains from 1 to 4, preferably from 1 to 2 carbon atoms.

Uuxiliaries of concentration of electrolytes Inorganic viscosity control agents that can also act as or enhance the effect of surfactant concentration aids, include water soluble, water-soluble salts that may also be optionally incorporated into the compositions of the present invention. A wide variety of salts can be used. Examples of suitable salts are the halides of the metals of Group TA and IIA of the Periodic Table of the Elements, v.gr-., Calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, potassium bromide and lithium chloride. The ionizable salts are particularly useful during the process or mixing of the ingredients to make the compositions herein, and subsequently to obtain the desired viscosity. The amount of waste salts used depends on the amount of active ingredients used in the compositions and can be adjusted as desired by the formulator. Typical levels of salts used to control the viscosity of the composition are from about 20 to about 20,000 parts per million (ppm), preferably from about 20 to about 11,000 parts per million, by weight of the composition. The alkylene polyammonium salts can be incorporated in the composition to give viscosity control in addition to or in place of the above water-soluble ionizable salts.

• Also, these agents can act < or purifiers, forming ion pairs with the same detergent carried by the main wash water, in the rinse, and in the fabrics, and can improve the yield of softness. These agents can stabilize the viscosity over a wide temperature range, especially at low temperatures, compared to inorganic electrolyte. Specific examples of salts of the quilenpoliarnonio? N < luyen rnonoclor hydrate of 1-l? s? na and dichlor hydrate of 2- net? l? entan-1, 5-d? ammonium. Another optional ingredient is a Liquid vehicle. The liquid carrier employed in the present compositions is preferably at least mainly water due to its low cost, relative availability, safety and environmental compatibility. The water level in the liquid vehicle is preferably about 50%, preferably at least about 60% by weight of the vehicle. Mixtures of water and organic solvent of low molecular weight, e.g., less than about 200, e.g., lower alcohol such as ethanol, propanol, isopropanol or butanol are useful as the liquid carrier. The low molecular weight alcohols include rhonohydric, dihydric (glycol, etc.) alcohols, tnhydride (glycerol, etc.) and higher polyhydric alcohols (polyols). Other optional ingredients are stabilizers, such as anti-oxidants and reductive agents well) 4 known, polymers 1 ibera «dirt logs, bactericides, dyes, perfumes, preservatives, optical brighteners, anti-smoking agents, anti-foam agents, enzymes and the like. The invention will be further illustrated by means of the following examples.

EXAMPLES General molecular structures: C - (A) x - (B) and - (A) / - T) A. Effect of a water-soluble non-block copolymer (PVP) on the viscosity of dispersions of laminar drops stabilized with block copolymer: Polymer used: Polymer C and D A B x and z P-l methyl ethoxy PPT 45 5 45 P-2 polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) Viscosities during storage: Content /% viscosity during storage of 7 days at: P-l P-2 10 RT 35 50 0.33 - > 20000 1210 570 1730 - 0.33 S S 720 1230 0. 33 0.33 6800 328 155 320 0.33 1.0 4500 700 323 530 0.33 * 1.0 * S 19300 560 435 1670 0. 66 1.0 > 20000 413 225 303 1.0 1.0 S 15200 385 200 230 * Means that both polymers have been added to the water seat. Otherwise the polymers have been added after per-smoking when they are still hot. The viscosity has been measured using a viscosity im «je Brook field. The "net" used is the normal method known to those skilled in the art.

B. Effect of hydrophobic and hydrophobic block lengths. E / P / E0 block copolymers on the viscosity of layered drop dispersions: A is an ethoxy unit (EO) and B is a relatively hydrophobic entity such as propoxy (PO) or propylene terephthalate (PPT). - C and D, as well as x and z, are the same. All are hydroxyl groups, except for the reference polymer having methyl end groups.

Polymer EO's PO's F ** Cps after storage: 3 days 10 days at T I to TA2 Reference 8 800 5 5 **** 1 1442255 S 470 Synperonic L35 22 16 608 Synperonic F38 88 16 1664 6200 'Synperonic EQJ 120 39 6201 115 - Synper ic F88 206 39 9555 180 - Synperonic F108 297 56 19768 180 73 Pluronic PE L0400 50 56 5936 50 73 PLuromc PE 10500 74 56 7280 333 8 * The numbers L and 2 represent the reduced matrix and the complete matrix, respectively. The difference between the two is < Some of the emu 1 si f i cantes / di porsore have been omitted in the reduced matrix. ** Units «je PPT, length equivalent to L5P0 unuJades. 0. Effect of central block chemistry on the viscosity of laminar droplet dispersions: - C and D are end groups, A is an ethoxy unit and B is a relatively hydrophobic unit such as propoxy (PO), propylene terephthalate (PPT), n- butoxy (BuO), hexadecylene (C16) or dodecyl (Cl 2). - C and D, as well as x and z, are the same. Center block C x and Viscosity (cps) after 7 days of storage 4 10 TA 35 50 ° C PPT methyl 45 5 630 120 35 35 60 PO methyl 55 17 > 20000 360 45 45 72 PO methyl 63 13 > 20000 290 40 43 68 PO hydroxyl 40 16 > 20000 342 35 35 43 BuO methyl 43 9 1780 160 35 0 60 BuO methyl 50 14 7700 265 36 38 58 C16 methyl 75 1 1260 223 38 40 45 C12 etí lo 60 1 1146 238 52 50 5 I). Effect of extreme groups on the viscosity of lamellar droplet ions: - C and D are end groups, A is an ethoxy unit and B is a unit relatively h? «Jrophobic as propoxy (PO) or propylene terephthalate (PPT) . - C and D, so as x and z, they are the same. Viscosity Functionality (cps) after end group B 7 days of storage 10 TA 35 50 ° C Met i lo PPT 40 5 > 2onoo 128 40 85 Hydroxyl PO 40 15 s > 20000 43 30 Methyl PO 55 17 360 45 45 72 Methyl PO 63 13 290 40 43 68 Hydroxyl PO 40 16 342 35 35 43 Acetate PO 40 15 S 7800 98 193 Trirnethyl-arnidochloride PO 14 16 328 43 40 43 Hydroxyl PO 14 30 S S 4600 14400 Methyl PO 14 30 S S 5600 9400 S - solid, TA = ambient temperature e / ° C "F. Effect of a block copolymer" compliance with the invention on stability "viscosity as measured after 7 days of storage Two experiments have been carried out in different softener matrices * 4 ° C 10 ° C AT 35 ° C 50 ° L. without polymer PL * SSCSS with Pl at 0.5% SS 8B 160 235 2. without polymer Pl 360 123 78 113 235 with PL at 0.5% 40 40 68 153 * For the description of PL, see Table A. A typical formulation in the above-mentioned examples to be used in conjunction with a rinse conditioner to which different polymers are added, according to the invention comprises: Percent by weight Softener active 24.5 PGMS 2.0 TEA 25 1.5 HCl 0.12 Antifoam agent 0.019 Blue colorant 80 ppm CaCll 0.35 Perfume 0.90 In conclusion, the above results show < : The i-menté: a. In addition to a certain length of the lateral blocks of ethoxy, the copolymers of the triblocker provide a reduction in the viscosity of the product. b. The more hydrophobic the center block becomes, the better it stabilizes the polymer at the viscosity. c. The combination of PVP with a block copolymer such as H3C - (EO) 45 - (PT) 5- (EO) 45-CH3 provides the best benefits of viscosity stabilization. This may be due to the fact that PVP provides protection around the positive charges in such a way that the block of the polymer center becomes even better at the drops.

Claims (9)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A fabric softening composition which comprises: a) block copolymer «. on a hydrophobic base structure and one or more hydrophobic side catches, and b) a limero soluble in non-ionic water.

2. A fabric softening composition according to claim 1, further characterized in that the ratio a / b varies from 0.01 to 100.

3. A fabric softening composition according to claim 1 or 2, further characterized because the polymer soluble in nonionic water is selected from the group "Je polyvinylpyrrolidone, N-oxide of polivi i Ipip dina, pol leti lengl icol and polialcohol replaced.

4. A fabric softening composition according to claim 1, further characterized in that the block copolymer is of the general formula (1): C- (A) x- (B) and D wherein A are soluble in water and B are monomers insoluble or partially soluble in water, C and D are end groups or a hydrogen lathe; x and y are integers of 1-200.

5. A smooth composition "Jora" Je fabrics according to claim 1, further characterized in that the block copolymer is of the general formula (2): C- (A) x- (B) and- (A) zD where A are water soluble monomers and B are insoluble or partially water soluble onoiners, C and D are end groups or a hydrogen atom; x, y and z are integers of L-200.

6. A fabric softening composition according to claim 5, further characterized by the integers x and z ranging from 30-60 e and varying from 3-50, preferably 40-50.

7. A fabric softening composition according to claim 1, further characterized in that the block copolymer is of the general formula (3): D- (A)? - R- (A) zC wherein R is an insoluble or partially water soluble substance or a fatty alcohol or acid from which a carbon is substituted with polymer blocks.

8. The use of a copolymer of blocks with a hydrophobic base structure and one or more hydrophilic side chains in a softening composition. These fabrics reduce the viscosity of the composition either at a lower or higher temperature.

9. The use of a copolymer block "Je blocks" with the claim 8, further characterized in that the block copolymer is of the general formula (1), (2) or (3) or mixtures of them.